Media Center

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is one of the most utilized public services in the nation and delivers 48 percent of the world’s mail. Millions of Americans rely on the USPS for receiving their paychecks, medicines, Social Security benefits, absentee ballots, passports, and more. Hundreds of small businesses utilize the USPS for receiving supplies and shipping out deliveries. For these reasons, I understand the frustration when mail and packages are not delivered on time.

On February 24, 2024, the new Atlanta GA Regional Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC) in Palmetto, GA went live. Since its opening, there have been major disruptions in the logistics and operations causing delays in processing. My constituents have reported their packages taking weeks to reach their destination and the response from customer service is just “be patient.”

As the USPS implements the Delivering For America plan and modernizes the postal service network, I believe any consolidation of operations, such as the new Atlanta RPDC, should not destabilize our region’s mail. I recently sent a letter alongside my colleague, Rep. Nikema Williams, to Postmaster General DeJoy asking him to provide an update on the Atlanta RPDC delays and explain the actions being taken to remedy the issues. The letter also asked how USPS is communicating with customers in the metro Atlanta area who have report delayed or lost packages. It is vital for the USPS to offer all available resources to affected customers.

I am also pleased the USPS Office of Inspector General opened an audit on March 11, 2024, to evaluate the errors occurring at Atlanta RPDC. However, it is important for the audit to include an analysis of how operational changes affect Georgia’s rural, minority, low-income, and underserved communities.

With the upcoming tax deadline, it is critical that taxpayers are not penalized should their tax returns be late. Additionally, Georgia’s primary election is right around the corner and the USPS must have a plan to ensure voters receive their absentee ballots on time. Timely delivery of mail across the state is a vital public service Georgians rely on.